Belichick praises Vick’s athleticism as Patriots open camp

Thursday

Jul 30, 2009 at 12:01 AMJul 30, 2009 at 3:05 PM

After New England’s first practice of training camp Thursday, coach Bill Belichick was asked his thoughts about Michael Vick’s possible return to the NFL. He praised Vick’s athleticism, but left it at that. Vick said Thursday that he’s getting close to signing with a team.

After New England’s first practice of training camp Thursday, Belichick was asked his thoughts about Vick’s possible return to the NFL. He praised Vick’s athleticism, but left it at that. Vick said Thursday that he’s getting close to signing with a team.

“Michael is an outstanding player, hasn’t played in a couple of years,” Belichick said. “But right now, our focus is on our team and our players and trying to get the New England Patriots ready and so that’s really where my attention’s been. But he’s a tremendous athlete. Where exactly he is right now, I don’t know.”

The former Atlanta Falcons quarterback was conditionally reinstated on Monday by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, a week after Vick completed a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring.

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